How to save and share ridiculously large files

A few years ago it was a big deal to find a place that would let you share 1 gigabyte of files.

Things change, though. Bandwidth keeps growing, and the cost of Web storage keeps shrinking. That's good news for people looking to share increasingly big files, be it an HD video recording or an archive of several files that tops out at over a gig.

There are now a handful of free and paid services that make it easy to host these gigantic files and send them to a pal, family member, or business associate.

The key thing to point out here is the individual file size limit. Many storage services will toss gigabytes at you without any real strings attached except for the fact that you cannot upload files larger than a gig. This really isn't a big deal, that is until that first time you need to do it. Below are a handful of sites, both free and paid, that are up to the task.

The free ones

There's no such thing as a free lunch, but the same cannot be said about storage. You can, with little effort, dump big files in a number of places. The usual caveat there is that there tends to be a lot of on-site advertising and your files may not be saved for very long in case you want to arrive back to re-download or share them later on.

ADrive (2GB): ADrive is more of a personal file storage service, but files can be shared via a direct link, or via e-mail. The service gives users 50GB of total storage and uploads at up to 2GB a pop. It has both a Web-based uploader and a desktop software version.

Something to be wary of is that files that have been uploaded to ADrive's free service tier eventually expire, something that doesn't happen for users who shell out for the signature and premium plans.

File Xpressit (2GB): File Xpressit actually tops out at 300MB a file but will go up to 2GB if you register with the service. It is free, it just requires clicking an activation link in an e-mail. The uploader does not require Flash or Java, which is nice if you're trying to use it on a computer without it installed. The service can also give you an e-mail notification when the file has been downloaded by your recipient.

Worth noting is that to use FileXpressit, you'll need to have an e-mail address for the person you wish to send the file to. This won't actually send the gigantic file to their in-box, but it means you can't start the upload without typing it in first.

Humyo (10GB): Humyo has a free and a paid plan, but the free plan is very generous at 10GB of free storage. There are basically no set-in-rock file size limits, just a cautionary message that encourages files that are over 10GB to be split into smaller segments. We didn't actually test this with a 10GB file (and we doubt you will either), but it's nice to know you could if you wanted to.

Dropbox (2GB): Dropbox is a file storage and synchronization service. Free users receive 2GB, which can be upgraded to 50GB and 100GB for $10 or $20 a month respectively. Still, if you have a file that's at exactly 2GB, or just a little bit less, you can store it on Dropbox free of charge. The only caveat here is that you need to use the software file transfer tool, as the Web-based uploader tops out at 300MB. You, and whomever you're sending the file to can also score an extra 250MB of storage if you refer them to use the service.

File Dropper (5GB): File Dropper allows file shares of up to 5GB. That's not as much as Humyo's service, but it's still more space than you're able to fit on a single-layer DVD (not that you're sharing those, right?). Files are kept "forever," and best of every, there's no registration required. Instead, when your file is done you receive a URL that links directly to the file, as well as embed code to stick a download link on a blog or personal Web site.

Along with the free service, File Dropper also has three paid plans which run anywhere from $1 to $10 a month. These can up the file size up to 50GB and 250GB in the two upper tiers.

Sizable Send (2GB): Sizable Send is another one of those services aimed at people who are trying to receive around the attachment size limits put in place by most e-mail providers. Using the service, you cannot share a file with someone else without first filling out your e-mail address and that of the person you intend to share the file with.

On the plus side, the tool lets you add password protection to the file, as well as set it to be automatically deleted as soon as the person you're sending it to has downloaded it. There are also quick links to share your file on social networks like Twitter and Facebook, along with blogging tools like Blogger and WordPress.

WeTransfer (2GB): WeTransfer is one of the standouts on this list. It's a very slick and stylish site that keeps the number of things you have to fill out to an absolute minimum. You just pick the file (or files) you want to send and drop in an e-mail address for both you and the person you're sending it to. It then starts the transfer and gives you a simple status meter with an estimate of how long it has left to go. every the while you receive pretty background photos to look at, which change every minute or so, along with a link to the artist who made them. This is also where the service slips in its ads.

Glide's gDrive ("no limit"): Glide is unlike many of the other services on this list in that it's not just a storage provider, it's an operating system of its possess that can be accessed from any browser. Glide's "gDrive" gives users 50GB of free storage space, and users can upload files of any size when using the company's Glide One Sync software. Web uploads, however, are capped at 200MB.

Send This File ("no limit"): Send This File does not have any difficult restrictions in place on how big your files can be, though it notes that some browsers cap things at 2GB. That works for us, though.

Send This File has both free and paid plans, and worth noting about the free version is that the file will only be hosted on the service for three days before being deleted. It can also be downloaded a mere three times. Other downsides include the service throttling download speeds, meaning that it could take whomever you're sending it to the greater part of a day to actually receive the file unless you pony up for the paid plans. Still, if your recipient is patient, it's simple and software-free.

The paid ones

Why would you pay for storage when you can use every the over services for free, you ask? More often than not it's the extra features. Most of the sites listed below can hang onto your files for months and in some cases years. They can also toss in things like file encryption, FTP access, uploads in excess of 2GB, and a way to use the service for business.

DivShare (2GB): Divshare is more of a traditional file-hosting service than some of the others on this list have been. Like ADrive, it's set up to let you keep your files in a virtual storage disk. It then splits them up into images, videos, audio, and documents.

DivShare lets its free users upload files up to 200MB in size. Paid users receive bumped to the magic 2GB mark. The only downside there is that DivShare keeps tabs on how much bandwidth has been used by people who are downloading your files. For the free plan, that's 10GB. It goes up to 75GB, 200GB, 500GB, and 2,000GB on the paid plans.

Box.net (2GB): Box offers 2GB file size limits on its business and enterprise plans. For the business plan that comes out to $15 per user per month. Its free plan, which includes 1GB, otherwise caps files at a mere 25MB.

Streamfile (2GB web, 30GB via FTP): Streamfile can be used for free, but unregistered and registered users can only put up 150MB and 300MB files respectively. The paid account, which costs $5 a month can do 2GB uploads via its Web interface, and files up to 30GB a pop for users transferring files through an FTP application. The pro version also nixes advertisements, adds 256-bit file encryption, and keeps your download link alive for two weeks.

Dropio (2GB): Dropio, which offers users 100MB for free, has an a la carte upgrade program that can top out individual storage folders at up to 25GB. If you're uploading through the standard Web interface, though, it's capped out at 2GB. Larger files need to be split up.

The price for the 2GB "drop" as the service calls the folder, is $20, and the file will be saved for a year. Users can tack on extra time by opting for two-year storage for $40 or three-year storage for $60.

Gigasize ("no limit"): Gigasize has a free uploader service that lets you upload files up to 300MB in size. Its premium service, which costs anywhere from $10 a month down to $4 a month (depending on how long you sign up for), takes every file size limits off. It also adds a few handy features like file encryption and a terabyte of online storage.

Mailbigfile (2GB): Like Streamfile, Mailbigfile has a free version, but this tops out at 200MB uploads. Going pro, which costs $15 a year, knocks that up to 2GB, as well as adding things like an address book to keep a short list of people you're sending files to, as well as keeping files up for 28 days after they've been uploaded.

Beyond pro accounts, the service also offers a "business" account for $50 a month, or $300 a year, that can be branded, and given a custom subdomain, though it still has a cap of 2GB on individual file sizes.

YouSendIt (2GB): YouSendIt's free service is limited to 100MB uploads, whereas the pro and business plus plans, which start at $10 per month per user, bring that limit up to 2GB. Though a big downside here is how much total storage users receive, which on the pro plans is topped out at 2GB. This means if you intend on sending more than one big file at a time, you have to bump up to the business plus plan, which comes with 6GB of storage.

Sendspace (1.5GB): Sendspace's pro service is the only one of its three plans that lets users upload more than 300MB. $7 gets users 20GB of storage space, and uploads up to 1.5GB apiece.

Which one to use?

So with every these choices, which one is going to give you the best bang for your buck? Or offer the most features at no cost?

If you're going for pure storage space, options like Streamfile, Glide's gDrive, Humyo, and File Dropper every offer the most, with every but Streamfile doing it for free. Again, the caveat here--at least for Streamfile and Glide--is that you can't move these big files without first installing a little bit of software on your machine. That said, it's not always a burden to do this, since these programs can often keep the uploads from slowing other browser tasks, and can resume a big upload if there's a problem with the connection.

There's also a question of whether or not you intend to access that file later on down the line. And if that's the case, it's definitely worth investing in a service that will keep it around. Many of the paid services mentioned over can also be helpful for business needs, since you can brand them with your company's logo, give your download pages custom domains, and control how many times any particular file can be downloaded.

Will there be a time when 20GB is the new 2GB? I think so. And if File Dropper's freebie 5GB and Humyo's massive 10GB are any indication, we're already well on the way to getting there.

Any we missed? Leave them in the comments, or shoot me an e-mail.

Update: Readers have sent in a number of good ones we missed. Here they are:

Free:
Opera Unite (no limit): We were trying to stick to just Web sites and away from software, but we'll make an exception for Opera's Unite platform. Reader Ira wrote in to tell us that it's helped him share the contents of his 2TB difficult steer with his family. Oh yeah, and it's also a Web browser.

Skype (no limit): Again, we're breaking the Web sites rule to mention audio/video/text chat service Skype, which readers pointed out in the comments and e-mail. Skype can do direct file transfers between two users.

Files Over Miles (limited by RAM): This free, browser-based service is only limited by how much RAM you and your recipient have. As it's explained on the service's FAQ page, "a sender may upload only those files that are smaller than the memory available on his/her computer. In turn, a recipient may download only those files that are smaller than half of the memory available on his/her computer." That makes this service pretty useful if both of you are sporting rigs with 16GB or more of RAM. Otherwise, you're probably better off with one of the other providers.

Paid:
Mediafire (2GB): The three MediaFire service tiers bumps individual file sizes to 2GB--which can be uploaded through the browser. There's also a free service, although it limits files to 200MB.

SpiderOak (no limits): SpiderOak's free plan comes with 2GB of storage, meaning you can move around a single file that big. The plus plan, which gives users 100GB, has no such restrictions. Though to move files that big, you'll need to install some software on your computer.

Sugarsync (no limits): Sugarsync has four different plans that run anywhere from 60GB to 500GB. There's also a free plan that offers 2GB of total storage.

Originally posted at Web Crawler

9 Mar 2010, 6:00 am | click here to view more

FileMaker 11 delivers charting, 'on-the-fly' reporting

Apple-owned FileMaker on Tuesday unveiled the next major version of its database product, FileMaker Pro 11.

In a recent study, the company found that 80 percent of the people who look at FileMaker already have a task in mind. With this type of feedback, FileMaker set out to make the new version faster and more productive for new users.

"It's very much a back to basics release for us," Ryan Rosenberg, vice president of marketing and services at FileMaker, told CNET. "We think ease of use is the core proposition in a database."

To help users receive started, FileMaker added a new "Invoices" template, a task many new users want to receive up and running with quickly. FileMaker now has 31 starter templates included in the application.

One of the big new features of FileMaker 11 is charting. Rosenberg explained that unlike a spreadsheet, charts created with a FileMaker database will update dynamically as the user browses data or views an invoice, for example. The charts can also be published to the Web using FileMaker's built-in tools.

On-the-fly reporting is also new, allowing users to create spreadsheet-like documents with totals and subtotals. Rosenberg likened these to pivot tables in spreadsheets.

The new version also adds an Inspector, a feature many people are used to seeing in applications like Photoshop and Microsoft Office. The Inspector shows a palette on your desktop, allowing you to quickly pick to align text, change colors and other simple tasks.

FileMaker 11 is now a Cocoa application, which means that it is fully native on Mac OS X. There are four versions of the database app available: FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Pro Advanced, FileMaker Server, and FileMaker Server Advanced.

Pricing starts at $299.

Originally posted at News - Apple

9 Mar 2010, 4:13 pm | click here to view more

Watch live March Madness games on your iPhone

hear up, college-hoops fans: I have good news and bad news about this year's version of the CBS Sports NCAA March Madness On Demand app.

The good: Unlike last year's version, it doesn't require a Wi-Fi connection to stream live games. Now you can watch over 3G or even EDGE.

The bad: CBS hiked the price from $4.99 to $9.99. But let's face it: For any difficult-core NCAA fan, that's peanuts for the privilege of watching every game in the tournament on demand.

On the other hand, if you can live without the video but still want the scores, stats, brackets, and basic tournament coverage, NCAA March Madness On Demand Lite is available free of charge.

Me, I'll be ponying up for the full version--and watching my productivity plummet during the second half of March (and, depending on how far my beloved MSU Spartans receive this year, possibly the first week of April as well). Stay tuned for some awesome reruns "Best of iPhone Atlas" posts later this month. (Shh, don't tell the boss.)

Anyway, hit the comments and let me know if you'll be springing for the live-streaming version of the app--and who you're rooting for in this year's tourney. Go State!

(Quick disclaimer: The NCAA March Madness On Demand apps are sold by the CBS Mobile division of CBS Interactive, which also owns CNET.)

Originally posted at iPhone Atlas

8 Mar 2010, 1:38 pm | click here to view more

Remote computer access and 2D car racing: iPhone apps of the week

The big news of the day is the announcement of when Apple's latest creation, the iPad, will be available. According to Apple, the "magical and revolutionary" product will be in stores April 3 starting at $499, but you can preorder the device as early as March 12. Only the Wi-Fi model will be available at first, with the Wi-Fi/3G capable iPad to arrive later in April.

There is already plenty of analysis every over the Web about who will buy the iPad and whether it's truly a viable alternative to laptops and Netbooks. Most reviewers seem to be predicting that the device will only appeal to tech and Web novices, or those with enough disposable income to spend their money on what reviewers deem no more than a luxury device. The consensus seems to be that it's "neat," but not very useful to serious tech fans.

As an iPhone app reviewer, I think the iPad will indeed be a revolutionary device. With now more than 150,000 apps in the iTunes Store and developers dedicated to upgrading old apps and creating new ones that take advantage of the added processing power and screen real estate, I think the iPad will prove to become much more than just a luxury item. I think once the iPad gains some traction, we're going to look more and more useful apps that will be exclusive to the device, with options and features that would be impossible on smaller devices like the iPhone and iPod Touch. I guess what I'm saying here is that I think it's dangerous to write the iPad off before we really receive to look what it can do. I have a feeling that reviewers and tech Web sites will be humming a different tune once the iPad is in the wild. Now that we know when they're coming out, we'll just have to wait and look what happens when they actually receive into people's hands.

This week's apps include a free productivity app to gain access to your computer remotely and a 2D driving game that's surprisingly fun and addictive.

TeamViewer (free) for iPhone lets you remotely view and control your computer's desktop and applications and comes in handy for remotely supporting your friends and family members. In order to use this program on the iPhone, you will need to install TeamViewer on the computer you wish to connect to (Mac or Windows). Once installed on a desktop computer, TeamViewer gives you an ID and password so you can connect using the iPhone app remotely. Once connected, you can set various permissions in the settings to allow viewing privileges and even to give remote users full access to your desktop and files.

We already liked TeamViewer for both Mac and Windows machines and the iPhone app is also extremely useful. There is a little bit of lag time, and TeamViewer for iPhone is certainly not as easy as using your desktop computer, but for demonstration purposes, remote support for family and friends, and transferring files, TeamViewer for iPhone does an admirable job. To make things easier on the iPhone, TeamViewer comes with touch-screen gestures you can use to perform certain tasks such as right-clicking, window scrolling, drag-and-drop actions, and zoom. You also have the ability to browse recent connections and create bookmarked locations with partners. This version is not for commercial use (the commercial version of TeamViewer is $99). Overall, if you want a way to access files, demonstrate actions, or perform remote support for friends, this free app is the one to download.

Alpine Crawler World (99 cents) is a 2D side-scrolling driving game that's not immediately impressive visually, but quickly becomes more impressive as you explore the levels and environments. There are three game types including Free Ride, Time Trial, and Challenge. Free Ride lets you practice unlocked courses, and Time Trial challenges you to receive to the end of a course in the least amount of time. The Challenge game type lets you race on courses from multiple different environments one after the other. You'll need to finish every the courses in an area on Time Trial to unlock new areas to race. The unique driving pedals let you control how much throttle is applied as well as how difficult you touch the brakes. Once you've completed a few races, Open Feint support lets you view leaderboards and look if friends are playing.

Alpine Crawler World isn't particularly impressive graphically on first blush, but real-life physics, weather effects, and night and day courses made me appreciate the overall look the more I played. You receive several cars and trucks you'll need to unlock, every with different engine sounds and physical attributes that will affect the way you handle the terrain. You can pick between five different drivers, though you'll mostly just look their head bobbing in the car as you race. You also can pick the color of your vehicles from a big color palette. Overall, with numerous tracks across several different locations, real-time physics, and tons of customization options, Alpine Crawler world is a great time-waster with plenty of replayability.

What's your favorite iPhone app? Do you think the iPad will be a hit or a dud? Are you glad to finally have a way to remotely help your family members with computer issues on your iPhone? What do you think of Alpine Crawler World? Let me know in the comments!

Originally posted at iPhone Atlas

5 Mar 2010, 7:31 pm | click here to view more

Vlingo 2.0 for iPhone: E-mail, SMS dictation now cost

Vlingo is an app that's been around awhile in the mobile space, but a new version for iPhone is causing some uproar. With Vlingo for iPhone 2.0, the company commits the sin of opacity by updating its rather good voice search and dialing application to version 2.0 without making it clear that you can only unlock the intriguing new features with your wallet.

Those familiar with Vlingo's BlackBerry app won't be surprised. There was an equal outcry when Vlingo introduced premium features for the first time, including switching a feature that had once been free to the paid category.

To recap, Vlingo's free voice app can search the Web, dial contacts, map a location, and update Twitter and Facebook with your voice--for free. You'll have a chance to edit before posting. Since computer-aided voice transcription is far from flawless--whether you're using Vlingo or Google Voice (look flubs here)--you may befriend that edit screen, especially when you're in noisy environments, when you're mumbling, and when you talk too quickly for Vlingo's rather sensitive electronic ears.

It doesn't help Vlingo's case that one of the two new premium features, which you can receive by way of an in-app purchase, doesn't work very well. There's e-mail dictation and SMS copy that copies the transcription of your voice recording to the iPhone's clipboard, but you then have to glue the text yourself into the SMS field before sending it. For $6.99 as a standalone feature, e-mail dictation might be worthwhile; however, its SMS copy feature is not. For $9.99, you receive both features, which would be a good deal if the SMS feature didn't require the hack.

Those who don't mind separating e-mail dictation from Vlingo's other voice-triggered features, there's always the free Dragon Dictation app by Nuance Communications (the folks who mainstreamed T9 text input method for cell phones.)

Sorry, Vlingo. We like you, we really do, but either the pricing has to go or the SMS tool does. However, there's no need to delete or avoid Vlingo 2.0 if you're not interested in buying into the new features. Voice search, dialing, and status updates work as they did before the update (hilarious and editable mistranslations included), and these are still free.

Originally posted at iPhone Atlas

5 Mar 2010, 5:52 pm | click here to view more

New Photoshop for Android includes Apple potshot

Adobe Systems released a new version of its Photoshop.com Mobile application for Android phones on Thursday night, an upgrade that came with an apparent attempt to tweak Apple's nose.

The new version gets more editing options. It adds "vibrant" to make photo colors richer and "pop" for a pop-art style. Also new are "soft black and white," "warm vintage," "vignette blur," "white glow," and "rainbow," Adobe said.

But more significantly, perhaps, the mobile editing software also now can be incorporated by other programs on the phone. "Third-party application developers now have access to the Photoshop.com Mobile for Android 1.1 editor, allowing them to easily make it a part of their applications," Adobe said.

This is where the Apple potshot comes in--a notable move given a public squabble over Apple's unwillingness to include Adobe's Flash Player on the iPhone or forthcoming iPad.

"Unlike iPhone, the Android platform allows us to make the Photoshop.com editor broadly available to developers so they can provide it within any application they are working on. Photoshop functionality can then easily be accessed from an online auction, real estate, or social media application so users can quickly fix photos and make them look their best, before being showcased," Doug Mack, general manager of Adobe's Digital Imaging and wealthy Media Solutions group, said in a statement.

The remark is hardly a condemnation of Apple. But I can't remember Adobe ever going out of its way to take sides by calling attention to what Photoshop on Mac OS X can do that it can't on Windows or vice versa.

More details are available at the Adobe site for mobile Android developers.

Originally posted at Deep Tech

5 Mar 2010, 4:51 am | click here to view more

Chrome bug kills offline Gmail

A bug in Thursday's update to the development build of Google Chrome renders it incompatible with Gmail offline. Users who've had Gmail and Chrome configured for offline use will find that Chrome crashes as soon as you log in to Gmail. The problem affects every development versions of the browser.

Right now there are only two ways around the bug. You can disable offline mode in Chrome by going to Options/below the Hood and clearing out the Gmail-related entries below ''Change Gears settings''. This will delete every offline data from Gmail that you've saved on your computer. If offline Gmail is more important to you than using the dev version of Chrome, you can update the browser to the beta (Windows | Mac | Linux) or stable (Windows only) builds. Windows users can also use the Chrome Channel Changer to switch versions.

You can follow the bug's progress at Google's Chromium project Web site.

5 Mar 2010, 1:12 pm | click here to view more

Five ways to keep your PC free of viruses and Trojans

Even if your PC is equipped with up-to-date anti-malware software, hardware and software firewalls, and other security measures, it can still become infected. The weak link in computer security is the wetware: the human beings who use the machine. And there's simply no fool-proof defense against operator mistake.

That's why any PC security plan has to assume that eventually, some piece of malware will breach the defenses. And these days, infections can do considerable damage without being detected. Here are five ways — some more practical than others — to reduce the risk of someone stealing the sensitive data on your system or using it to break into your bank accounts.

#1: Don't use Windows
It makes perfect sense that data thieves target the most-popular computer platform, so the best way to minimize your risk is to use an operating system other than Windows. Unfortunately, this simply isn't practical for many users. At work, our employers usually determine the type of PC we use.

But even when the choice is ours to make, the software we rely on may lock us into Windows. Still, more and more people are switching from Windows PCs to Macs — despite the cost premium — or to Linux — despite the added complexity and smaller number of applications available. And their primary motivation for choosing an alternative platform is the added safety it provides.

If you can't give up Windows, you may still be able to install Linux on an old PC or in a partition of your Windows PC. Then you can use that system (or partition) whenever you engage in any sensitive computer activities. You'll find instructions for dual-booting Windows and the Ubuntu version of Linux on the Ubuntu Community Documentation site.

In 2008, I wrote a series of posts about getting started with Linux. I found out the difficult way that it pays to do a little research before you start your conversion to Linux. Despite the heavy lifting, adding Linux to your PC repertoire offers many benefits apart from the added safety. To start with, the OS and nearly every applications are free. Do you think Microsoft will be giving away Windows anytime soon?

#2: Don't use your bank's online services
Several years ago, there was a rash of phishing e-mails masquerading as important messages from major banks. I scoff at any e-mail that purports to be from my bank. That's because I've never given my bank my e-mail address.

I've had the same bank account for decades and have never felt the need to bank online. You can say online banking is a convenience. You can say online bill-paying saves you time and the cost of stamps. But to me, the convenience and time- and money-savings simply aren't worth the added risk.

But I'm the Luddite exception, as the growth in online banking services attests. To bank safely online, make sure you're dealing with a legitimate establishment. The FDIC offers a guide to safe Internet banking that's a few years old but still helpful, particularly for its information on how to determine whether an online bank is insured.

You must also take precautions during an online banking session. In 2008, University of Michigan researchers reported on the prevalence of flaws in the design of banking sites that put the banks' customers at risk. More ominously, the FDIC issued a special alert last October warning banks about "money mules" who are recruited — often unwittingly — as accomplices in fraudulent electronic funds transfers from compromised bank accounts. (Read more about the threat on the Retail Payments Risk Forum's Portals and Rails blog.)

Many analysts look multifactor authentication (or two-factor authentication) as a way to strengthen the security of online banking. Last September, security expert Bruce Schneier described weaknesses in two-factor authentication. Schneier recommends securing the transaction rather than the person, which he points out is the approach taken by credit-card companies.

#3: Use a disposable credit-card number
Speaking of credit cards, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act limits consumers' loss due to unauthorized use of credit cards to $50 — but the protections don't apply to unauthorized use of debit cards. That's why it's important to avoid using debit cards for online transactions.

You can increase your level of protection when buying products or services online by using disposable credit-card numbers. CreditCards.com describes these virtual credit cards and offers tips for reducing your risk of loss when using PayPal and other electronic payment systems to purchase products online.

#4: Use virtualization software every the time
Last August, I described the $25 Returnil virtualization software that creates a virtual environment — or sandbox — on your PC to prevent any unauthorized changes to your system. When you close down your machine, every traces of the session are wiped out.

When I tested the program, it didn't slow my PC down noticeably, though it does require that you grant permission for each file or program setting you want to change while working in the virtual environment. Still, if safety is your paramount concern, there's no more secure method than using a virtualization program such as Returnil.

#5 Use more than one malware scanner
No security program is 100% effective, so the more different malware scanners you use, the better your chances of spotting any virus that makes it through your first line of defense. (Remember to use only one real-time malware scanner at a time to avoid system-stopping software conflicts.)

I set my primary security program to scan e-mail and file downloads automatically and to run full system scans during times when the PC is otherwise idle. But I also use Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware program to scan my system about once every week. The free version of the program lets you perform manual scans, but only the $24.95 version supports real-time malware scans and automatic updates of its virus database.

Nearly every security-software vendor offers free online scans. These include Trend Micro's HouseCall, BitDefender Online Scanner, Kaspersky Online Virus Scanner, F-Secure Online Scanner, and Panda ActiveScan. CNET Editor Jessica Dolcourt examines the pros and cons of these services in "Demystifying online virus scans."

The VirusTotal service lets you scan files you suspect may be infected. The free service uses virus databases from more than 40 different security services. Likewise, Jotti uses 16 separate virus scanners to identify infected files. And just in case two virus-scan aggregators aren't sufficient insurance, run that suspicious file through the dozens of scanners at VirScan.org.

Originally posted at Workers' Edge

5 Mar 2010, 12:22 pm | click here to view more

Office 2010 nearly ready; upgrade offer launched

Microsoft said on Friday that it plans to finalize the code for Office 2010 next month and, as expected, it kicked off a program enabling those who buy Office 2007 in the coming months to receive a free upgrade to the new version.

In a blog posting, Microsoft said that it will have a business launch for the Office 2010 products on May 12. The company has said it expects the software to be broadly available in June.

As for the technology guarantee program, Microsoft says it will apply to those who buy Office 2007 between now and September 30 and will allow an upgrade to the comparable Office 2010 product.

Though such programs are typical, this one had even less of an element of surprise after a Microsoft employee briefly posted details of the program last month. Microsoft CFO Peter Klein confirmed the program earlier this week, telling financial analysts on Tuesday to expect the company to defer revenue this quarter to next to account for the upgrades.

Although Office 2010 doesn't bring a radically different look or new file formats, as Office 2007 did, it introduces a number of changes, most significantly the addition of companion Office Web apps that work in a browser. Also, for the first time, Office will arrive in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

A beta version of the software has been available since November and Microsoft has also been doing limited testing of a close-final "release candidate" version of the software.

Originally posted at Beyond Binary

5 Mar 2010, 11:54 am | click here to view more

Voting Question: what is mesothelioma?

it is cancer nice.

4 Jan 2010, 1:01 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: I have a friend that suffers from Mesothelioma, so I have been asked to find good source mesothelioma info?

I am looking for good source of mesothelioma info, if anyone can point me in the direction of good website or book that has some good mesothelioma info, that would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance

3 Sep 2009, 6:25 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Google problems? I have a site http://www.texas-mesothelioma.org/ but I don't see my site on google. Why?

3 Oct 2009, 6:16 pm | click here to view more

Voting Question: Can you give me some advice about my crack addicted sister?

My sister has been hooked on crack for 10 years. I am raising her son. She is 30 and has never had a job or been responsible for anything in her life. When my mom died a few years ago, her will said that whatever money my sister received from her life insurance should be held in my trust. That money has run out and now my sister is receiving settlement money from the lawsuit over my mom's death. (mesothelioma) This money legally doesn't have to be held in my trust. It could go straight to my sister but she agreed that because of her drug issue, my brother and I could hold on to it for her so she doesn't go blow it. There is about 75 thousand dollars total. Well, a year has passed and my brother and I are fed up being responsible for this money. She is constantly calling asking for more money, even though we agreed on a set budget. Obviously she is going and blowing this money on crack. We don't usually tell her no because legally, it is her money to do with what she wants. But we are so sick of the lies and deceit and the constant calls. And we are scared that drug dealers will show up at our home because she has told them we have every this money for her but won't give it to her. If this were your sibling, or your adult child, would you just give them the whole 75 thousand and let them go blow it on crack?. Even though you know there is a good likelihood it would cause her to overdose and die? Or would you just keep answering the phone calls and give it to her a little bit at a time so she will be less likely to be able to go on a massive binge that will kill her? My brother and I are so sick of every of this but at the same time, we don't want to live with the guilt of knowing that she died because we gave her every that money at once. And she absolutely refuses long term rehab. She went a couple of times to 30 day programs, but she left to smoke crack within a week of getting out. Is there anyway to receive legal control of her money because of her addiction? Thanks for your help.

3 Mar 2010, 12:07 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Are You Still Alive? Is Anyone?

"I'M Still Alive". This is one of my favorit lyrics, written and performed by Mr. Eddie Veder, who is From Mission Bay, and is the guide songer of Pearl Jam. My ex-brother-in-law is Matt Cameron. I sing this tune and receive very emotional because I am now recently diagnosed with Mesothelioma. It is not a pretty picture. I have a Multi-million Dollar modeling contract with Model management New York and a great law firm..and no gf..WHAT A CONCEPT!!! i need a hug..1-619-690-9831..please call me..i need you..mikel

3 Dec 2009, 4:33 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: how can you get insulation tested for asbestos mesothelioma?

asbestos or mesothelioma. i work around this nasty insulation and its always flying in my face. so im a little concerned. please help.

29 Sep 2009, 12:53 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: What is the best treatment for mesothelioma?

I want to know in detail that what is the best treatment for mesothelioma? Tell me in detail Please.Thanks

29 Jul 2009, 5:24 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Does anyone know of any clinical trials for pleural mesothelioma?

Perferably in the Houston area, but i am open to any place. Please help.

29 Jan 2010, 5:46 pm | click here to view more

Voting Question: Whats the Answer To this Runescape Riddle?

Malignant Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer that occurs within the body at a section called the Mesothelium. Mesothelioma is known to be divided into the three main categories of Pleural Mesothelioma (70% of every Mesothelioma cases), Peritoneal Mesothelioma, and Pericardial Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can affect workers working in Abestos mills, or just from being at a place constructed with traces of Abestos and other toxic substances within the materials used to construct the area someone is in. Often times, those diagnosed with Mesothelioma have no clue that they have been exposed to the cancer causing substance usually until years later when the symptoms caused by Mesothelioma start to emerge. Mesothelioma is a horrible case, but with the right type of Mesothelioma attorney/laywer, one can be entitled to anywhere from thousands to even millions of dollars in damages. Mesothelioma treatment options can be discussed with your physician. The treatment options for mesothelioma is often on the pricey side, and that is where attorneys can help you receive payment help from employers that may have caused your Mesothelioma. The key to making 5-10m in 15 minutes lies in this page. Getting to it might require you to look beyond what you see

28 Nov 2009, 4:25 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: What is mesothelioma? is mesothelioma any kind of female sex issue?

Can any body tell me about mesothelioma? how it happens? and what is mesothelioma?

28 Dec 2009, 7:20 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Asbestos and mesothelioma?

I was cleaning a deep fryer today and on the inside of the exaust tube there was this black looking caked on stuff so I started breaking it off but it was brittle looking foam. Could this be asbestos and the could the half a second I breathes it in for be enough for any adverse effects . I.e mesothelioma

28 Aug 2009, 11:40 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: How can we prevent ourselves from Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a ling cancer,How can we prevent ourselves from Mesothelioma? What are the preventions?

27 Jul 2009, 7:43 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Are there any Radiologists who can review CT-Scan report for a second opinion if images uploaded on net?

Hi, My mom has been diagnosed with Malignant Mesothelioma. Subsequently she has been operated and Extra Plural Pneumenectomy performed. That has been followed with Radiation Therapy. Now CT - Scan has been done, which shows collection of fluid in left hemi thorex (same area where surgery performed) and one suspicious nodule. Are there any radiologists who can review the CT findings for correct second opinion? I know, I have option of visiting a qualified Radiologist, but I would want some one from recognized cancer institute and having experience of Mesothelioma / lung cancer to do the review. I can send the CD or alternatively, I can upload CD on to a file hosting website and provide link for download and review.

27 Dec 2009, 8:45 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: If you had Mesothelioma cancer, which methods or/and process would be taken first?

I really don't know how to explain this question, however, which method do doctor recommend first....Radiation, chemo or surgery? I am doing an essay about cancer and really have to explain it. Thanks

26 Feb 2010, 11:39 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: what is Mesothelioma Prognosis ?

26 Aug 2009, 3:38 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: What is the average compensation if a family sues over a person who died from mesothelioma?

26 Aug 2009, 11:07 am | click here to view more

Voting Question: what is nature of mesothelioma ??

i think mesothelioma was cancer...

25 Nov 2009, 9:25 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Does anyone know if Peritoneal Mesothelioma has the same awareness color for just Mesothelioma which is Pearl?

I'm not sure since Pearl is for lung cancer and things pertaining to the lungs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is dealing with the abdomen area. If it's not the same, does anyone know the color for it?

25 Jul 2009, 2:29 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: What is asbestosis and how is it different from mesothelioma?

Also, which one is more threatening?

25 Jul 2009, 2:11 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Hi, i’m looking information about asbestos, cancer, mesothelioma, laser?

can anybody give me what ever website to find info about asbestos and risk in life. I'm really needed your help. thanks for your help

25 Jul 2009, 10:20 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: If you had cancer, what sources would you use to make an informed decision -friends,teachers, clinicians,?

I am doing an essay about mesothelioma cancer and really don't understand this question at every. how would you answer this question. Thanks a lot!!

25 Feb 2010, 9:21 pm | click here to view more

Voting Question: If you had Mesothelioma cancer, would you look beyond chemo, radiation, and surgery if they had a little?

to offer? I am writting an essay and really need to receive some ideas or/and opinions from other people. Thanks a lot. Here is the question again: If you had Mesothelioma cancer, would you looks beyond chemos, radiation and surgery if they had little to offer>

25 Feb 2010, 9:03 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: I'm looking for more info on Mesothelioma cancer alternative medicines.?

I'm looking for more info on Mesothelioma cancer alternative medicines.

25 Dec 2009, 8:57 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: I'm looking for more info on Mesothelioma law suits in St.Louis, MO.?

I'm looking for more info on Mesothelioma law suits in St.Louis, MO.

25 Dec 2009, 8:54 pm | click here to view more

Voting Question: What is mesothelioma?

24 Oct 2009, 1:38 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: What is malignant peritoneal mesothelioma?

24 Oct 2009, 1:36 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: What Is The Piano Song From The Mesothelioma Commercial?

the one that plays that low part with a little medium notes with it

24 Jan 2010, 9:04 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Where to find Attorney lawyer mesothelioma – Sbestos attorney mesothelioma ?

I really can't find a good Attorney lawyer mesothelioma! I need any tip for my problem! Thanks!

21 Dec 2009, 6:11 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: My attorney told me I have mesothelioma. Does that mean I have to quit football and lose my scholarship?

17 Jan 2010, 12:57 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: With the cancer mesothelioma, what effect does metastasis to the lymph nodes have on the patient?

I'm doing some research and have heard that it's common for mesothelioma, in more advanced stages, to metastasize to the lungs. What symptoms does this cause for the patient? Thank you in advance. Whoops, I meant lymph nodes, not lungs. And I am aware what metastasis means, I'm just wondering what metastasis particularly to the lymph nodes would cause.

16 Aug 2009, 2:50 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: plz help me with this riddle?

transfer this into runescape world: Malignant Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer that occurs within the body at a section called the Mesothelium. Mesothelioma is known to be divided into the three main categories of Pleural Mesothelioma (70% of every Mesothelioma cases), Peritoneal Mesothelioma, and Pericardial Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can affect workers working in Abestos mills, or just from being at a place constructed with traces of Abestos and other toxic substances within the materials used to construct the area someone is in. Often times, those diagnosed with Mesothelioma have no clue that they have been exposed to the cancer causing substance usually until years later when the symptoms caused by Mesothelioma start to emerge. Mesothelioma is a horrible case, but with the right type of Mesothelioma attorney/laywer, one can be entitled to anywhere from thousands to even millions of dollars in damages. Mesothelioma treatment options can be discussed with your physician. The treatment options for mesothelioma is often on the pricey side, and that is where attorneys can help you receive payment help from employers that may have caused your Mesothelioma. The key to making 5-10m in 15 minutes lies in this page. Getting to it might require you to look beyond what you look. this is a like riddle it says things that you have to tranfer into the runescape world basicly... idk what it means but i have some friends who say theyve figured out but wont tell me... if anyone here plays runescape and can *decode* this message i would appreciate it ; ] * 6 months ago Additional Details its like a secret message hidden in there in the comments on the page someone seems to think it says something about the kingdom of misthailan and the 3 rune store.

14 Nov 2009, 6:58 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Has anyone been diagnosed or have any experience with cystic mesothelioma in the peritoneal cavity?

i was diagnosed 2 years ago, i have been told it is a very rare cancer. I had peritonectomy surgery and heated intra peritoneal chemotherapy and hoped to look how many others are out there.

13 Sep 2009, 8:36 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Does anyone know of anyone that is a Mesothelioma patient?

I have an Uncle just diagnosed with Mesothelioma and was wondering if others knew of someone that had it too?

13 Oct 2009, 9:18 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: has any one had family that has a lung removed because of cancer as i am going to be operated on this month?

I Pleural mesothelioma and after a lot of test the only place i have any cancer in my right lung and the doctors think my best chance is to have it removed

12 Sep 2009, 11:10 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: When I recently moved into this beautiful renovated 1948 building I was told I had to sign a bunch of waivers?

that stated there was asbestos and guide paint, and that if I did not disturb it it should not be a problem. How would one disturb it? I am afraid to put a nail in a wall to hang up pictures and everything, and supposedly the guide paint is painted over, but am I or my child at risk for mesothelioma or any other asbestos related cancer in the future?

12 Oct 2009, 3:42 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Where do I go for help with a mesothelioma lawsuit?

My Grandfather worked his whole life for a company that had asbestos. Now he's suffering from lung cancer and it's metastisized to his brain. Where can I receive help for his family?

10 Nov 2009, 7:18 pm | click here to view more

Words With Friends: Like Scrabulous for iPhone!

Remember Scrabulous, the Facebook-powered Scrabble knockoff that was every the rage a couple years back? I was a serious addict, but lost interest after every the name changes, lawsuits, redesigns, etc.

Thanks to my bad pal Denny, my addiction is reborn--and mobile. Words With Friends is a two-player crossword challenge that offers turn-based, Scrabulous-like competition. It's not perfect, but I'm loving it.

The game lets you complete online against random players and/or friends. (Built-in Facebook/Twitter links let you post an invitation as a status update.) You can have up to 20 matches going at once, with push notifications letting you know when it's your turn.

There's also an in-game chat option. You can tell when an opponent is online when you look a pair of eyeballs next to the Chat button.

The game itself plays much like Scrabble, though with a slightly different distribution of the bonus squares (double word score, triple letter score, etc.). A double-tap is every it takes to zoom into the board for easier tile placement or back again for a full-board view.

It would be nice if WWF had a few more amenities, like a button for clearing your tiles or a list of legal two-letter words. But my big complaint is that the game doesn't keep a tally of your potential word score as you place your tiles. It's only after you make your play that you find out your total for the turn. (What, I'm supposed to do math in my head?)

WWF also suffers from some performance issues, like seemingly endless lag when attempting to submit your turn. Most of the time, the game worked fine, but it's frustrating when it doesn't.

Developer Newtoy offers a free, ad-supported version of Words With Friends and a $2.99 ad-free version.

The ads receive pretty annoying pretty quickly, so I may just bite the bullet and pay my 3 bucks. On the other hand, Words With Friends is such a distraction (albeit an incredibly enjoyable one), the smarter move would be to delete it altogether.

Eh, I'm probably not that smart. In fact, my username is justrick if you want to challenge me to a game. In the meantime, check out "Five perfect puzzle games for the iPhone."

Originally posted at iPhone Atlas

10 Mar 2010, 7:00 am | click here to view more

Spate of class-action lawsuits casts light on system

Class-action lawsuits have been in the news lately, but while commercials seeking mesothelioma patients or birth defects are every over TV, such lawsuits are relatively rare locally.

10 Mar 2010, 3:41 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Removed Asbestos Containing Floor Tile - Scared?

An aunt passed, an offer was made that would allow us to live in her home and take over ownership so we began renovations. We are currently not in the best financial situation so we decided to do the brunt of the work ourselves. We removed old (25+ years) deteriorating carpet and found beneath it many broken floor tiles and green soft rotted wood below. We decided we needed to replace the rotted board, but there was tile on top. What to do? What to do? "REMOVE IT!" We thought. So we pried up every the tile with putty knives. After wards we decided to look online for directions on removing the adhesive from the floorboards and lo and behold on one website there's a picture of our EXACT tile. Contains asbestos it says. So I was struck close panic and even though that was a month ago it still wells up now and then. We weren't living in the home, still have our apartment, and just went on the weekends to work on it but I think every and every we have had about 17-20 hours exposure to whatever we kicked up in the air with the tile. Whatever dust there was I cleaned up almost immediately because I have allergies. We wore no face masks, no protective clothing, nothing - as I was completely unaware that asbestos floor tile even existed (yes I'm an idiot). I've found a few similar posts of people freaking out about unintended asbestos exposure via removing old tile, and my one and only pal in the world apparently did the same damn thing so I'm not the only idiot in the world that may have set myself on the path to mesothelioma, but like the title says, I'm frightened. We had the tile tested and it came back 93% Vinyl, 7% asbestos and the adhesive somehow has no asbestos at every. I know what's done is done and there's nothing I can do now, but how worried would you be?

1 Mar 2010, 8:17 am | click here to view more

Resolved Question: Help with cancer questions?

My mom in the last two years has been through a lot with many different doctors. She was in Washington state where she was diagnosed with stage II lung cancer, and mesothelioma. This was Novermer of 07. At that time they had decided not to treat her because of her over every health. She also has COPD. This also prevented them from doing a biopsi. Several months passed and there was no progression of the cancer, as well no treatment. In September of 09 I convinced her to move to Minnesota and look different docors, Being there she still hadnt seen an oncologist. She was not given a referal, She was told that it wasn't needed becuse there was no biopsi. She was in to look an oncologist 2 weeks after she was here they did Xrays CTs and tons of blood work every said and done in October she was told that she was cancer free. She did have a tumor in her lung but in comparison to her CTs and petscans in Washington it had not grown a mm in 2 years, there for could not be cancer. November 17th she was called by the oncologist and asked to schedual a new pet scan. That was done the following Monday. December 7th she was told that she has stage 4 mastetic bone cancer. With no known origin. Still no cancer in the lung, lymphnods, or any other organs. She and I are at a loss I have never heard anyone going through anything like this before. I am open to any helpfull comments, or opinions. well there was no mesothelioma detected in the last pet scan the only cancer that was detected was in the bone and they say that is secondary this is what is so confusing

1 Jan 2010, 4:16 pm | click here to view more

Resolved Question: How many different types of Mesothelioma are there?

I am conducting a report on mesothelioma treatment and need to know. I can not seem to find them.

1 Feb 2010, 10:01 pm | click here to view more